Newbridge Silverware Heritage

The new Irish state, with assistance from a group of local businessmen, raises £40,000 to create a cutlery factory in Newbridge in an attempt to replace economic activity lost since the moving out of the British army in 1921. The local labour force is trained by experts from Sheffield, one of whom, Mr JW Haigh, is appointed the first managing director.

Though the 40s are difficult for many reasons including the Emergency, strikes and a fire in the plant, profits grow and, thanks in part to a large order from the Irish army, then workforce grows to 240 by August 1948. The firm acquires a cutlery factory in Enniscorthy and invests in factories in other parts of Ireland and in the UK.

In a decade of economic depression, the factory forges ahead with new product lines, branching into hollow-ware including tea sets, coffee sets, condiment sets, pots and kettles which in 1953 are promoted in a window display in St Stephen’s Green. The company became the preferred supplier of silverware to the best hotels and stately homes in Ireland.

The scene is set for a challenging period for Newbridge Cutlery as protective tariffs begin to be dismantled in preparation for Ireland’s joining of the European Economic Community. Newbridge Cutlery is floated on the stock exchange.

Ireland joins the EEC, ending tariffs that had protected Newbridge from foreign competitors. The vulnerable company is purchased by Harcourt Irish Holdings and it looks likely that it will be sold off. The incumbent MD, Donal O’Rourke, assembles a group of local businessmen to buy them out. One of those men is Dominic Doyle, father of William and Oonagh Doyle.

The factory moves from its original location on the site of the military barracks to its current home. William Doyle, who has spent his summers in the factory since his father Dominic became involved in 1977 joins the business and works alongside his father to refocus the brand on unique and high-quality tableware. He takes the helm in the late1980s.

In the face of falling demand for formal tableware, William and his team discover they have in-house capabilities for jewellery manufacturing. The first Newbridge jewellery collection reflects the simple, elegant design ethic of the time and is a huge success. Newbridge Silverware is born.

Acclaimed photo shoots with well-known models including Sophie Dahl and Yasmin Le Bon transform the fledgling jewellery brand into a household name. The chance acquisition of an iconic dress belonging to Audrey Hepburn sparks an idea that leads to the creation of Newbridge’s next innovation; the Museum of Style Icons.

The Museum builds a collection of clothing and personal effects from the top stars of cinema and popular music including Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Judy Garland, Michael Jackson, Greta Garbo and the Beatles. The manufacturer remains true to its heritage and continues to excel in the production of high-quality cutlery and unique tableware.